THEY’VE been going for less than a year, but Southport hardcore rockers Defeat!Retreat have already firmly stamped their mark on our local music scene.

And they’ve just released their first three-track EP, called Clarity Is On The Horizon (I recognise that phrase, I used it in a Live Sounds article about the band some months ago).

They were on great form at the Hallowe’en Massacre in the resort on Saturday.

I thought all four bands were superb on the night, but I have to say the most exhilarating performance came from Defeat!Retreat.

No-one sleeps when they’re on stage as they machine-gun the audience with a selection of in-your-face songs you either love or hate.

They call their sound “mental” and I agree, it is. But couple that with an exciting stage presence, especially by talented lead singer Ashley Rens, and you have a performance that stays in your mind for a long time.

They gave away copies of their EP at Saturday’s gig and I’ve been playing it all week. My Facade is definitely my favourite song, and don’t be fooled by the slow and stylish start to track three. You have been warned.